How to Paddle with Kids

April-May 2003

This is an article from WaveLength Magazine, available in print in North America and globally on the web.
To download a pdf copy of the magazine click here: > DOWNLOAD

by Bob Putnam

You can pop your child into the back hatch of a stable single in calm water.
Bob Putnam photo

Paddling with kids can be very rewarding. It's great to witness the process of discovery as a child gazes over the side of a kayak at an underwater garden of marine life. You can start paddling with your children when they are young, as long as you acquire the proper training and utilize the proper equipment. Most new parents quickly realize that hopping into the car for a quick day paddle takes a whole lot more planning when factoring in a toddler or young child. A poopy diaper or an unwilling participant can quickly thwart these plans.

SAFETY FIRST

Safety is #1. Make sure each child has a good life jacket that fits. Coast Guard approved life jackets come in sizes: 20 - 30 lbs, 30 - 60 lbs, and 60 - 90 lbs. These kids' jackets should have a strap that passes between the child's legs and a hand grab loop on the collar. Kids should always wear a life jacket while on the water (adults too!).

Where do we put the kid? There are several choices, some better than others:

"I would like to hold my child on my lap."

This is OK, but not my first choice. Keeping junior nice and close compromises stability and makes it difficult to paddle. I like to put my child in the back hatch (with the hatch open, of course!) where he can sit on the floor of the kayak or on a paddle float. My ability to paddle and brace is not compromised and he can paddle and move around. This spot is only good until about 4 - 6 yrs. old. My child will often fall sound asleep with his head on the paddle float or the rear deck. Be aware that by opening the back storage hatch you have compromised your stern flotation. This doesn't worry me too much, because I usually stick close to shore and paddle in calm conditions. You can always put a flotation bag in the stern behind the child. Make sure you use a nice stable kayak when doing this.

Grey Owl Paddles make a great 130 cm wooden paddle with which your child can biff you in the head and drag in the water.

DOUBLE KAYAKS

Paddling with a young child in a double kayak is like paddling alone. Be sure to go out only in calm, windless conditions. With no power in the front of a double kayak you are at the wind's mercy. Once children reach about 7 yrs. they can start to contribute to the paddling effort for short periods.

CENTRE HATCH

The Current Designs' Libra XT and Necky's Nootka Outfitter are double kayaks with big centre hatches that can hold two smaller children, 2 - 3 yrs., or one child up to 7 - 8 yrs. These kayaks are incredibly stable, with lots of room for extra gear. At this age kids are pretty much passengers and their paddling is only for play.

KIDS' KAYAK

At about 7 years, kids can start to paddle kid-sized kayaks on their own. Perception Kayaks makes the Umiak, which has a 110 lb (7 - 10 yrs.) max capacity, and is ergonomically designed for kids of this age. Umiaks are incredible kayaks and allow kids to develop excellent paddling skills. But this makes you essentially the guide and you should be equipped to deal with a towing or capsize situation. Kids have been known to goof around!

Here are some ideas for parents who would like to introduce their children to the joys of being on the water.

Good Idea #1

Get some paddling skills

You don't want to be figuring out how to maneuver a kayak while at the same time trying to engage your young child. You might have considered winging it when you were childless and without responsibilities, but don't be that way when you have kids. Take the time to get some skills; you should be confident and in control while on the water. At the very minimum, you should have a capsize recovery course with several days of paddling under your belt.

Good Idea #2

Choose a safe waterway

If it were skiing you would be on the bunny slope. Ideally your child's first paddling experiences will be on a calm, windless, waveless, sheltered body of water - somewhere you can poke around the shoreline and that is well within your ability level.

Good Idea #3

Don't bite off more than your kid can chew

Don't plan on going too far and be ready to alter or change your plans according to your kid's needs. 15 - 30 minutes may be it for the first paddle. Putz around the shoreline and look at crabs, birds, sea stars or seaweed, etc.

Good Idea #4

Give your kid something to chew

A snack, or should I say bribery, works every time and may help you get an extra 30 minutes of paddling. Don't forget the fluids too.

Good Idea #5

Go paddling just before nap time

The rocking motion of the water and your boat will often lull your child to sleep, allowing you more time to paddle. Just make sure your child has plenty of sunscreen on and a good hat.

Good Idea #6

Bring another kid

Nothing motivates a kid like another kid. Bring a buddy or team up with another family. This is a key to success and will guarantee a fun time.

Good Idea #7

Bring some kid-friendly entertainment

Bobo the clown might be over-kill, but your child might not be as enthralled with being in the great outdoors as you are. Bring some books, building blocks, dolls with life jackets, rocks to throw in the water, a toy boat to drag, or a toy fishing line.